Takayasu's Arteritis

Takayasu's arteritis is a rare form of vasculitis, which is a series of conditions linked to inflamed blood vessels. In this particular form, the inflammation causes damage to the aorta, the artery responsible for bringing blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Takayasu's arteritis mainly affects females under the age of 40 years. The cause of the disease has not yet been determined but is considered to be an autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms of Takayasu's Arteritis

The symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis typically appear in two stages. Patients in the first stage of Takayasu's arteritis may experience:

Night sweats

Fatigue

Sudden weight loss

Muscle or joint pain

Occasional fever

The arteries may have narrowed by the second stage of Takayasu's arteritis, reducing blood flow throughout the body. Symptoms may include:

Arm weakness

Headaches

Vision problems

Chest pain

Anemia

Differing blood pressure in each arm

Seek medical attention if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, as Takayasu's arteritis is treated most effectively when detected early. If left untreated, Takayasu's arteritis can result in high blood pressure, stroke or heart failure.

Diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis

To diagnose Takayasu's arteritis, your doctor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Additional testing is typically necessary to rule out other conditions, as the symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis are similar to those of other conditions. These tests may include:

Blood test

MRI

Angiography, MRA or CT scan

Ultrasound

Treatment of Takayasu's Arteritis

Treatment for Takayasu's arteritis is aimed at managing the inflammation and preventing additional blood vessel damage. Medications, such as corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, or TNF-alpha inhibitors may be prescribed. In the event of blocked arteries, surgery may be necessary to successfully relieve symptoms. Only a qualified medical professional can accurately assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan.